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POL Government Bureaus & Offices Development Services Permits General Info Find your permit type

Find your permit type

 

Do I need a permit for my project?Brochure #2 - Do I need a permit for my project? This brochure provides general information about the types of work that require a permit, and those that do not for a one or two family dwelling. As the owner of a one or two family dwelling, you can hire a licensed contractor to get the proper permits and complete work, or in most cases, you can obtain permits and do the work yourself.

 

Use the table below to find out if you need a permit, and the type of permit required.

1. Based on the work proposed, select from one of the five categories listed below.
2. Locate the work in the first column and if a permit is required from the second column.

Note: Often, a proposed project will include work from several categories. If this is the case for your scope of work, be sure to check the requirements for each category. More information on permits.

 

Find your permit type
1. Site Related - Exterior
WORK PROPOSED PERMIT NEEDED? WHAT TYPE OF PERMIT?
Grading and clearing Site Development Permit (SD) if there is no structure
Build a private street Site Development Permit (SD)
Tree cutting on my property Visit Development Services Center staff to determine if the site needs a Zoning Permit (ZP) and Site Development Permit (SD).

Trees 12 inches and greater in diameter may require an Urban Forestry Permit. Please call (503) 823-4489.
Retaining walls taller than 4’ or any wall with sloping backfill or surcharged Building Permit (RS) ; Site Development Permit (SD) for walls in new subdivision
Add a driveway with new or replacement curb cut Zoning Permit (ZP)
Add paving for driveway with existing, unaltered curb cut Zoning Permit (ZP)
Add a concrete patio on grade (private property) Visit Planning & Zoning staff at the Development Services Center or call (503) 823-7526 to determine if a Zoning Permit (ZP) is needed.
Water Heater:  
New electric water heater Electrical Permit (ET), Plumbing Permit (PT)
New gas water heater Mechanical Permit (MT), Plumbing Permit (PT)
Replace electric to gas Mechanical Permit (MT), Plumbing Permit (PT)
Replace gas to electric Electrical Permit (ET), Plumbing Permit (PT)
In kind (ie. gas to gas, etc.) Plumbing Permit (PT)
Sewer Connection:  
Connection on property Plumbing Permit (PT)
Connection in right of way Utility Connection (UC)
Repair in right of way Utility Repair (UR)

 

2. Residential Construction (single- or two-family dwellings) Sites
WORK PROPOSED PERMIT NEEDED? WHAT TYPE OF PERMIT?
New construction:  
New single family dwelling Building Permit (RS)
New duplex Building Permit (RS)
Rowhouses Building Permit (RS)
Townhouses Building Permit (RS)
Garage: less than 200 sf and less than 10 ft in height Zoning permit (ZP)
Shed: less than 200 sf and less than 10 ft in height Visit Planning & Zoning staff at the Development Services Center or call (503) 823-7526 to determine if a Zoning Permit (ZP) is needed.
Garage or shed: greater than 200 sf or more than 10 ft in height Building Permit (RS)
Accessory structure: containing an accessory dwelling unit (ADU) Building Permit (RS)
Swimming pool, spa Building Permit (RS)
Fence If higher than 6 feet, Building Permit (RS) required.
Play structures Visit Planning & Zoning staff at the Development Services Center or call (503) 823-7526 to determine if a Zoning Permit (ZP) is needed.
 
Alterations to existing structures:  
Demolish a structure Building Permit (RS)
Windows or doors If the size of the rough opening is not changed, no Building Permit (RS) is required.

If adding a window or door, a Building Permit (RS) is required.

Keep in mind that residences in buildings that contain 3 or more dwelling units fall under commercial standards.

Visit Planning & Zoning staff at Development Services Center or call (503) 823-7526 to determine if a Zoning Permit (ZP) is needed.
Addition – increase the size of the structure Building Permit (RS)
Add a second floor Building Permit (RS)
Add a dormer Building Permit (RS)
Add or remove a dwelling unit Building Permit (RS)
Deck: Add a deck 30" or less above the ground and more than 3’ to the property line No Building Permit Permit (RS) required
Add a deck more than 30" above the ground Building Permit (RS)
Add a patio cover or porch Building Permit (RS)
Asbestos abatement Contact Oregon Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) or call (800) 452-4011.
Convert an attic, basement, garage to finished space Building Permit (RS)
Dry rot repair Building Permit (RS)
Insulation - Install or Replace Visit the Plan Review Staff at the Development Services Center or call (503) 823-7310 to ask if a Building Permit (RS) is needed.
Rebuild the foundation Building Permit (RS)
Reroofing (When existing structural sheathing is left in place) No Permit Required
Reroofing (When sheathing or roof rafters are modified) Building Permit (RS)
Siding - Install or Replace No Building Permit required.

Visit Planning & Zoning staff at the Development Services Center or call (503) 823-7526 to determine if a Zoning Permit (ZP) is needed.
Staircase - Build or Rebuild Building Permit (RS)
Gutters - Replace No Permit required
Seismic upgrade/retrofit Building Permit (RS)

 

3. Commercial Construction (including multifamily buildings) Sites
WORK PROPOSED PERMIT NEEDED? WHAT TYPE OF PERMIT?
New construction:  
Construct new commercial building Building Permit (CO)
Construct new multifamily building Building Permit (CO)
   
Alterations to existing structures:  
Demolish a structure Building Permit (CO)
Construct an addition Building Permit (CO)
Asbestos abatement Contact Oregon Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) or call (800) 452-4011.
Cell phone antenna Building Permit (CO)
Contact Land Use Review staff at (503) 823-7310 to see if Land Use Review is required.
Day care center Building Permit (CO)
Contact Land Use Review staff at (503) 823-7310 to see if Land Use Review is required.
Disabled access upgrades Building Permit (CO)
Install racks/storage shelving Building Permit (CO)
Install siding Building Permit (CO)
Tenant improvements Building Permit (CO)
Seismic upgrade Building Permit (CO)
Move or construct walls, even if non-bearing partitions Building Permit (CO)
Change the Use or Occupancy in an Existing Building. Building Permit (CO)
Replace or add new windows or doors Building Permit (CO)

 

4. Plumbing, Mechanical and Electrical work
WORK PROPOSED PERMIT NEEDED? WHAT TYPE OF PERMIT?
Plumbing  
Add a bathroom in a house Building Permit (RS), Residential Plumbing and Residential Electrical
Replace plumbing fixtures in same location Plumbing Permit (PT)
Replace water lines Plumbing Permit (PT)
Install Water Meter Water Meter installation is included in the Building Permit (RS). Call (503) 823-1526 when marked and ready for installation.
 
Mechanical  
Replace a furnace Mechanical Permit (MT)
Decommission oil tank If residential property, call Environmental Soils staff at (503) 823-6820 for permit requirements.

If commercial property, call the Fire Marshal at (503) 823-3712 for permit requirements.

Contact Oregon Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) or call (800) 452-4011.
Air conditioner Mechanical Permit (MT), Electrical Permit (ET)
 
Electrical  
Replace a service panel Electrical Permit (ET)
Add an outlet Electrical Permit (ET)
Air conditioner Electrical Permit (ET), Mechanical Permit (MT)

 

5. Miscellaneous Work or Permits
WORK PROPOSED PERMIT NEEDED? WHAT TYPE OF PERMIT?
Work proposed Home Occupation - Type A Does not require a permit. Allows residents to use their home as place of work, but no customers or employees come to the site.
Work proposed Home Occupation - Type B Requires a Home Occupation Permit . Allows either one employee who does not live in the home or up to 8 customers per day to come to the dwelling.
Occupancy permit (change of occupancy) Building Permit (CO)
Sidewalk café seating Issued by Portland Department of Transportation (503) 823-7002 Option 5.
Banners hung from street poles Issued by Portland Department of Transportation (503) 823-5292.
Signs, A-Boards and Banners Sign Permit required for signs on private property and A-Boards.

Contact Portland Department of Transportation at (503) 823-7002 for Banners in Public Right of Way.
Flagpoles Building Permit (CO)
Tents Circus Tents require a Building Permit (CO) .

For other tents, call the Fire Marshal at (503) 823-3700 for permit information.

Visit Planning & Zoning staff at the Development Services Center or call (503) 823-7526 to determine if a Zoning Permit (ZP) is needed.
Parking permits Issued by Portland Department of Transportation (503) 823-7002.
Meter hoods Issued by Portland Department of Transportation (503) 823-7002.
Noise: Make noise beyond allowed standards Noise Permit is required if you intend to make noise above the allowed decibels and/or during non-construction hours/day. More information on allowed construction hours.
Any work in the public right of way Any work in the public right-of-way requires a permit or may be allowed by code if the conditions are met under the authority of PBOT. Contact Portland Bureau of Transportation (503) 823-5185

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